2009 Fuel Efficiency Guide * Fuel Economy Guide * Hybrid Cars * Electric Cars * EPA * Economy Cars *

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing a new vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles continue to be the fuel economy leaders, with the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Nissan Altima hybrids topping the list.  Other hybrids making the top ten list for model year 2009 include the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, and Toyota Camry.  Hybrid technology can be used to improve fuel economy and performance.

Congress has pledged $25 billion so the industry can improve fuel-efficiency and meet new fuel economy standards. Meanwhile, General Motors and other manufacturers are getting a lot of buzz for their efforts to develop electric and plug-in hybrid models that aren't quite ready for the American road.

“We know that when consumers are provided the information they need to make informed, educated decisions they choose products that will both save them money and help protect our shared environment,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.  “This year's fleet offers a wide variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles for car buyers to select from -- encouraging more Americans to heed President Bush’s call to reduce the demand on the nation’s energy supply.”

Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests conducted by manufacturers and EPA according to EPA specifications.

The following are online sources for more fuel economy information:  

The joint EPA and Department of Energy Fuel Economy Web site offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the Fuel Economy Guide.  The Web site is located at http://www.fueleconomy.gov.

Comprehensive information about EPA's Fuel Economy program is available at http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy.

The Green Vehicle Guide Web site to give consumers a better picture of fuel economy and automobile emissions. Consumers can use this guide to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. To access this guide, visit http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.

The 2009 fuel economy leaders within class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are listed below.

Highest Fuel Economy Models by Vehicle Class
2009 Model Year

Highest Overall Fuel Economy Models*
2009 Model Year

Lowest Overall Fuel Economy Models*
2009 Model Year

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements.

Media contacts:
Craig Stevens, 202/586-4940
Tom Welch, 202/586-5806
John Millett (EPA), 202/564-4355